All language subtitles for L.A.Law.S02E13.Beauty.and.Obese.1080p.HULU.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-BurCyg_track3_[eng]

Gina: With us this morning
are Brad Sanford

Rosalie Baskin,
and Jonathan Rollins,

recently cited
in Southland Magazine

as the hottest young lawyers
in Los Angeles.

Good morning and welcome.

Brad: Good morning.
Rosalie: Hi.

You're looking good, Jonathan.

- Let's start
- Great suit.

- Gina: What's the consequence--
- He looks great.

Being acknowledged like this,
more clients, better cases.

Rosalie: The biggest consequence
is that

the partners are beginning
to remember my name.

And my firm has
over 300 lawyers.

And it's an accomplishment

just to be recognized
in your own office.

And Brad, your firm has
over 400 lawyers, right?

Brad: Four twenty-five.

The firms are definitely
getting bigger in L.A.,

either by growth or merger.

- Hot attorney.
Gina: How about you, Jonathan?

According to the article,
you were pursued

by every Wall Street firm
in New York

and all the big boys in L.A.

and you chose to go with
teeny tiny McKenzie, Brackman.

- Teeny tiny?
Jonathan: I like to think

of this more as a boutique
than as teeny tiny.

- Boutique?
Woman: Okay. That's fair.

But still,
why McKenzie, Brackman?

I don't know good money.

- Seriously?
- Seriously.

Jonathan: Truth is it's great
with good people.

What makes it different
from the bigger firms?

I'm not sure, basically
a law firm is a law firm.

You know, we've all got the
paternalistic senior partner.

We got the administrative
partner

who counts every paperclip.

Rosalie: Ours to make you
signup for soft drinks.

Jonathan: A nebbishy tax guy.

- Nebbishy?
- Don't take it personally.

Jonathan: Ä lecherous
divorce lawyer.

[laughs]

Jonathan: We've got your basic
civil rights fanatic.

Our research count

and a couple
crusading liberals,

a woman's libber

and a little bit of color,
for show.

So am I the libber
or the liberal?

- Nebbishy, you believe that?
- Gina: What about your peers,

aren't they
a little bit jealous

of all the attention
you've been getting?

I've sense
some coolness, Gina , but

I think they're mature enough
to accept my status.

I think they like my...

my fearless style.

And your modesty.

Jonathan: Now truthfully,

the lawyers of
McKenzie, Brackman

have been very supportive.

I bet they've watching this
right now and cheering me on.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[music continues]

People, if we can get started.

Stuart, I see you have
a meeting scheduled

with the Lundstrum children .

Yeah, they're a little upset.

Mom cut them out of the will

and left everything
to a TV evangelist.

Yes, well, since it's
a multimillion dollar estate,

I urge your diligence.

Michael, Statler versus
Goodwin Procter, an Englander.

Ah, the jury has picked,
we're ready to go.

Opposing counsel is
coming in this morning

to make their final offer.

Just between us,

I would've fired
somebody that fat myself.

I'm surprised they hired her
in the first place.

She happens to
be one of the most

competent attorneys
I've ever met.

And the size of her body

is her business
and no one else's.

Thank God.

Moving on, Miss Kelsey,

what's this meeting with
General Scanning, Inc.?

Uh, new client,
laser technology.

They want to trademark
some of their special effects,

holograms or something.

Can you get a trademark
on a special effect?

You mean
transparent 3D imagery?

[chuckles] I read.

[laughs]

Ann: Anyway, I will know
more about it

as soon as I found out
exactly what it is they do.

Good morning.

Here's the superstar.

Yeah, thanks, Jonathan.
Lecherous?

Jonathan: Hey,
I didn't mean you.

- Nebbishy.
- I was talking in generalities.

- Yeah, right.
- Hey, come on.

Where's your sense of humor?

It's buried beneath
the Tow le interrogatories

which I want finished on my desk

tomorrow morning, Mr. Hot Shot.

Tomorrow, I'll be up all night.

You can do it
for the good of the boutique.

This is retaliatory.

If it'll make you
feel any better,

we'll all be home in front
of our televisions

cheering you on.

We're adjourned.

Stuart, are you to
lunch next week

- on the Fitsemen's matter?
Stuart: Yeah.

Abby tells me that
police got to stickup man.

The yuppie bandit
is no longer at large .

They caught him trying
to fence the Rolex.

Stuart and I ID'd
him last night.

Well, what about
the diamond ring?

Gone forever, but at least
we got our precious watch back.

Mike, Lynn Stetler
is here to see you.

Be sure and tell me
when Trischuta gets here.

I'll do it.

- So, are you all set?
- I'm ready.

Any word from the other side?

Not yet. Come on in.

Michael, I noticed
that the dietitian

is not on our witness list.

Well, the fact that you tried
to lose the weight

isn't really relevant.

Not legally maybe, but

I'll be much more
sympathetic to the jury

if they know I made the effort.

That's true.

And we should establish
that my parents were heavy

and that
this is probably genetic,

mitigating circumstances,
my boy.

Lynn, I got it covered.

Sorry. It's just that I know
of you much less blameworthy

if we can prove
that my condition

is a product of metabolism
and not appetite.

[phone beep]

- Yeah?
Woman 2: Michael,

John Trischuta
is here to see you.

Uh, I'll be ready in a minute.

Should I go or stay?

Lynn, [sighs] let me take
a whack at this alone.

Not a penny under
135, counselor.

- Alright.
- And nothing structured.

- Ms. Stetler.
- Mr. Trischuta.

Well, John,
what's the good word.

Fifty.

Nope, it's going to take
a hundred and fifty.

Oh, come on, Michael,
you can't be serious.

- Well, this is discrimination.
- Wait, wait.

You wanna show me
the constitutional amendment

for fat people?

It was bad faith
termination, John.

They fired her
for being overweight

when she weighed
exactly the same

as the day that they hired her.

Michael, you've got
an impossible case here.

You never gonna
show bad faith.

You can't point to
one single incident

where her weight impacted
on her performance.

Look, I don't want
to try this one.

We both know I'll
have to go after her

and it's not gonna be pretty.

Please, let's make it go away
so nobody gets hurt.

Fine.

But, the going away price

is one-fifty.

but for you one fourty-five.

Ah, you're gonna
make me go in there

and be the big bad wolf,
aren't you?

Sure you don't want one?

I mean, doesn't it seem
strange to you?

Leaving everything
to a TV evangelist

named Billy Bob Thomas?

You see Gail it's her money.

- She's got that right.
- What about our rights?

It's family money.

We're her family.

Look, we were thinking

What about the possibility
of maybe

getting her declared
incompetent or something?

Whoa!

I maybe the family lawyer,

but I'm your
mother's lawyer first.

If you guys want to become
adversarial about this,

I'm gonna advice you to seek
independent counsel.

Look, we don't want to hire
some shark to attack her.

But, come on, we're talking
about $30 million

she's prepared to throw away
on some two-bit preacher

with three first names.

Her health is failing as it is.

We'd like to work this out
without hurting her.

Oh, that's very admirable.

But if you go into court
challenging her sanity,

I guarantee you,
you're going to hurt her a lot.

And what about the hurt
she's always inflicted on us?

She's always used
the money as a club.

What if you talk to her?
She trusts you.

You don't think you want
to talk to her yourselves.

We've tried.

It always ends up with her
giving us the silent treatment.

I'll see what I can do, okay?

[knocking on door]

Come in.

Arnie.

There's a mistake
in my paycheck.

It's a $100 more than
it supposed to be.

I affirm that it's your raise.

A raise?

A week ago
they were gonna fire me.

It's out of your
pocket, isn't it?

What's the difference
where it comes from?

Thank you, Arnie...

for this.

For sticking by me,

for not clubbing me on the head

with I told you so
and so about Jimmy.

Rox, you're not
the first person

to fall in love
and make a mistake.

I guess I'd, I'd feel
better about myself

if it was just love.

But it wasn't.

I was seduced by the money.

All around me everyday

I see people
with great clothes,

great cars, great houses.

It gets to me sometimes.

There's nothing wrong
with wanting the same things

as everyone else, Rox.

Oh, I know.

I know I can want them.

The difference is,

I was stealing them.

Anyway... I just
want you to know,

I'm pretty glad
you're in my corner.

Ouch. The hair.

[telephone ringing]

This is John Vincent
of Vincent Construction .

So?

So what does he want from us?

He wants us to represent his
nephew in a criminal matter .

You mean he wants me
to represent him

You 're the litigator, not me .

Charlie, John Vincent
is reputed to be

one of the most
powerful figures

in organized crime

in the Western United States.

I think the key word there
is reputed.

We start turning away clients

because of that sort of
vicious gossip.

Hey, I was a D.A, remember?

This guy has been linked
to racketeering,

prostitution, drugs, murder.

I don 't think we wanna
start representing mobsters.

Has he ever been convicted
of a crime?

Not to my knowledge.

Has he even been charged?

No.

Have you ever even met the man?

No.

Grace, we're a law firm.

We're supposed
to be looking for clients.

Don't you think a face to face
meeting is called for here

before you decide
to turn down a client

who could conceivably funnel

an enormous volume
of legal work our way?

Alright. I'll meet with him.

Atta girl. I'll set it up.

[instrumental music]

Hello?

Hello?

[suspense music]

[laughs]

Douglas: Just a laser show,
Mr. Fearless.

Here's your ghost.
Here's your ghost.

How are those interrogatories
coming?

[all laughing]

That's funny!

That's real funny.
Thank you all very much.

You're welcome.

Stuart: I think
he took it very well.

Let's get back to the ship!

[telephone ringing]

I'm told you didn't appreciate
what happened last night?

Not true.

I think I fully appreciated
what happened last night.

Everyone acting in concert
to embarrass me.

Well, you know, Jonathan.

The peacock that struts around
with his feathers out

makes for an easy target.

I didn't do anything
to cause that

kind of resentment, Leland.

If you ask me, the resentment
was waiting for me

the first day I walked
through these doors.

You didn't do anything?

Well, you pranced around,
telling everyone,

you were making more money.

You defied my direct
instructions, several times.

You connived to steal
a client from Stuart

you set off a smoke bomb
in a deposition

and now you mock us
on television.

That's doing something,
Jonathan.

If I tend to be aggressive,

it's because as a black man

I feel I have to prove myself.

People here look at me
and see affirmative action,

nobody is going to
accept me, Leland.

They think I'm just part of an
equal opportunity program.

We accepted you
the day we hired you

and I think you know that.

And I suppose
last night's cruel joke

was just a way of saying
welcome to the club.

Actually, it was a lot more
than that.

It was a way of
knocking you down a peg.

You need our help, Jonathan,

and our friendship.

But you've been too arrogant,

and too self-important,
to accept it.

And that has nothing to do
with color, my friend.

That joke last night
served two purposes,

to let you know
how angry we were

and to invite you to share
a laugh with everybody

at your own expense.

And I think you missed a point

on both counts.

[telephone ringing]

Edith: Who I leave my money to
is not your concern, Stuart.

Your job is to carry out
my wishes,

not to shape them.

And all I t m trying to do
is locate exactly

what it is your wishes are.

Well, I told you.

Every penny to the Reverend.

- Am I being ambiguous?
- Yeah. Yeah.

As a matter of fact,
you're being ambiguous.

That hostile tone in your
voice is more compatible

with an active vengeance
than it is with charity.

It seems to me you're
much more interested

in taking away than
you're giving too.

- Well, you're flat out wrong.
- Am I?

I've known you long time,
Mrs. Lundstrum.

You've been involved
with the homeless,

environmental groups,

a whole long list of charities,

anyone of which you
could've given your money to

and yet you chose to give it

to the Reverend
Billy Bob Thomas

a diamond studded
cable tv preacher. Why?

I have my reasons.

I think I know what they are.

If you had chosen any one
of these worthy charities,

you would run the risk of not
hurting your children enough.

But by choosing
this pulpit thumper

then they really get
the message, don't they?

What message would they get
if I left them everything?

That I 'm grateful they never
come to see me?

That I enjoy eating
alone every Sunday,

or that I relish
the hollow echo

of an empty hospital room
when I'm sick?

They come a few times a year,

Christmas and Thanksgiving,

with the word obligation

written all over their faces .

Well, yeah.

They're grown up.

They have their
own lives to lead.

I'm still their mother.

There's still a few things
I can do to punish them.

Look, obviously you can give
your money to anybody you want.

[sighs] I just think
that this way,

the very last testament
of Edith Lundstrum,

is an act of bitterness.

I don't think that's right.

What you have written here
is an ending.

an ending to a relationship
that's not over yet.

I would like your permission
to tear this thing up.

[knock on door]

Grace, John Vincent,
Grace Van Owen .

A genuine pleasure,
Ms. Van Owen.

Thank you. Please have a seat.

I 've been an admirer
of yours for some time.

- You're a fine attorney.
- Thank you.

Tough-minded, aggressive, but
principled. Qualities I admire.

You're embarrassing me,
Mr. Vincent.

My father was Mr. Vincent,
I'm John.

Alright, John.

Charlie tells me that
you're seeking representation

for your nephew?

Yes. Ah, Tommy the Terrible.

I , uh, I brought you copies
of the police report,

the filing, attorney's motions.

What 's wrong
with your nephew's

current representation?

Nothing. He's a fine young man.

But I felt we needed someone

who really knows her way
around the system.

To be perfectly honest about it,
Tommy's a hothead.

He's been in and out of trouble

with the law
since he was a teenager.

I took him into
the construction business

as a favor to my sister,

and he's been a real project.

But his murder charge

it's totally
without foundation.

He's got quite a record,

assault, assault with intent,
concealed weapon.

Look, Ms. Van Owen.
If I can be blunt.

I know what you're thinking.

"The apple doesn't fall
far from the tree."

But the fact is, construction
is a tough business.

If you achieve
the kind of success I have,

you inevitably become the object
of a lot of nasty rumors.

I can't do anything about that.

But, I am not a crook...

I'm a legitimate businessman
with a serious family problem.

I'm trying to help out with.
I need help.

And since Charlie and I
are long-time friends,

I naturally came to him.
May I count on you?

[sighs]

Let me review the case,
make some calls.

And, uh... I'll let you know.

Bless you.

We're gonna have some lunch,
Grace. You want to join us?

No, I think
I'll get on this right away.

Thanks, though.

- Grace: John.
- Thank you again.

I look forward to hearing
from you soon.

Okay.

Lynn: He called me
into his office and told me

I had three months to find
other employment.

Did he tell you
why you were being fired?

Obesity.

He said that my appearance
was not commensurate

with the firm's profile.

And had you had any indication
during the four previous years

that your performance
was unacceptable.

I rank second in billable hours

and first in productivity.

I was led to believe I was one
of the firm's best associates.

Then Mr. Langella comes in

takes over
his managing partner

and suddenly tells me
my potential is limited.

Did he specify the nature
of these limitations?

He told me, I could
not try cases

since juries would
not accept me.

I used to interview
candidates for jobs.

He told me
I would have to stop that

because the applicants
found me...

The word he used
was repulsive.

Basically, he said
that the world

had a negative attitude
towards fat people

and he did not want that
feeling running to the firm.

Thank you, Ms. Stetler.

Your witness.

Even before Mr. Langella
took over as managing partner,

you were never allowed
to try cases, were you?

I never wanted to try cases--

Because you knew, as they did
that the way you looked

might alienate a jury, correct?

That is not correct, I was
hired as a corporate attorney,

not a litigator, and it was not
my function to appear in court.

I see. But you said
one of your functions

was to interview applicants
for jobs, right?

Tell me, what did you look for
in a candidate?

Intelligence.
Communicative skills...

- Appearance?
- Not solely.

Not solely, but no matter
how intelligent,

you wouldn't hire someone if
their appearance

was offensive, would you?

- I'm not offensive, Sir!
- I didn't ask you that.

I asked whether you would
hire someone

whose appearance offended you.

Probably not.

So there's nothing in proper

about discharging someone

for the way he or she looks,
is there?

Your client was guilty of
bad faith counselor.

Thank you for your
legal conclusion, Ms. Stetler,

but for now
just answer my questions.

How many other firms
have you yourself

interviewed with
since your discharge ?

I'm not sure, several.

- Any offers of employment?
- No.

What's the problem,
lack of intelligence

or communicative skills?

Objection.

Do you make room for
the possibility, Ms. Stetler,

that these other firms failed
to consider you

because of your obesity?

It's possible.

And would these firms, then,
also be guilty of bad faith?

- Objection!
John: Withdrawn.

Ms. Stetler, could you describe
for the court your social life?

I object, this line
of questioning.

Your Honor, she's claiming
that the conduct of my client

deviated from standards
of human decency

and I intend to show
the assumptions

made by my client with respect

to the witness and her obesity

are no different than judgments

made every single day about her

in all walks of life.

I'm gonna give you very little
latitude here, counselor .

Ever been married, Ms. Stetler?

No.

Ever been personally involved
with a man?

Isn't it true you 've never even
been asked out on a date?

- This is ridiculous!
- I agree! Mr. Trischuta.

I apologize, Your Honor,

and Ms. Stetler
I apologize to you.

But isn't it true,
for your personal life,

your professional life,
your entire life,

people have readily
dismissed you

simply because you are fat.

That fact that everyone
does it does not excuse it.

No it doesn't.

But if it's a reality,

how can you blame
my client for recognizing it.

Nothing further.

[indistinct chatter]

- You okay?
- Fine.

In here a second.

I'm sorry, Lynn. I should've
cut those questions off.

You couldn't.

People get disgusted
when they look at me,

it's completely relevant.

Nobody gets disgusted.

I see them, Michael.

With all this fat,
you'd think the Almighty

could've at least
given me thicker skin.

No matter how often
you hear it, it still hurts.

C'mon Lynn. That was just
a lawyer in there

doing what he had to do

to win a case
and you know it.

Yup. You know what else?

He didn't even have to do
his homework on this one.

All he had to do just see me
right up there on that stand.

He knew instantly I was never
invited to my high school prom.

You think he needed
an investigator to find out

I never got
any marriage proposals?

Well, as far as I know,
marriage proposals

are not very good yardsticks

for measuring self-worth.

Nice theory.

You want to know the reality?

When my friends
used to go to dances

and cheerleader practice,
I went to the library.

And I studied and I studied
and I studied,

because I was damn determined

I was going to be
the best lawyer

that anybody could be.

And what the hell did it get me?

Fired, for not looking like
a cheerleader.

I don't want to be fat, damnit.

It shouldn't matter!

Why does it always
have to matter?

Stuart Markowitz.

Barry Braunstein
with Jacob & Epstein?

Hi.

"Reasonable doubt
for a reasonable fee"

- Sings, don't it?
- Very nice.

New slogan
for our criminal practice.

Here, check out
our personal injury logo.

"Torture Us."

I like that.

Mr. Markowitz, do you know
an Edith Lundstrum?

Yeah, why?

Well, she called us to her house

this morning
to execute her new will

and I mean a monster.

She went to Jacob & Epstein?

We 've executed over
400,000 wills nationwide, pal,

how many have you done?

Well, I'm sure
your work is excellent.

You better hope so.

The woman left
every cent to you.

- What?
- Thirty million fat ones.

Along with the house
to stub that basis.

- Is this a gag?
- No, gag.

It 's all bequeathed to you,
with the knowledge that you'll

that you'll do
the right thing with it, see?

I'm gonna get her on the phone
and clear this up right away.

Ah, that's going to be
difficult, Mr. Markowitz.

You see, uh, Mrs. Lundstrum

stroked out
late this afternoon.

[instrumental music]

This is an unbelievable mess.

The children already
got themselves a new attorney

and the Reverend's
gonna be nut cakes.

- Stuart, can we talk?
- I'd love to talk, Ann

but I got a room full
of lawyers out there,

waiting to chop me up in
little pieces, so I got to go.

Ann, please we've
been over this already.

But Stuart,
thirty million dollars.

We'd be rich.

We're already rich.

But do you have any idea

what we can do with that
kind of money, Stuart?

I know exactly
what to do with it.

I'm gonna give it
to her children.

Are you crazy?

They wouldn't know
how to handle it.

Ann, for the last time,
it's not my money.

- The will says it is.
- Fine.

Then if I want to turn around
and give it to her children.

- That's my business.
- Uh-uh.

Community property, Bub.
It's my business too.

Oh, come on.

Stuart, I'm not talking about
keeping the money for us,

we'll start a charitable trust.

And we go again.

Don't you see what an
opportunity this is, Stuart ?

I can quit massing billable
hours in McKenzie Brackman

and actually concentrate
on making the world

a better place.

With a little
prudent investing.

Stuart, how many people get
the chance

to do something good,
something meaningful?

Think about it, Stuart.

I don't want to think about it.

Then don't.

For once in your life,
stop contemplating your navel

and just take the money, okay?

For once in your
life stop pushing me, okay?

And here's Stuart Markowitz,
our heir apparent.

Stuart, this is Bob Silvia,

the new attorney
for the Lundstrum children.

And Richard Boggs,

the attorney for
the Reverend Billy Bob Thomas.

I've brought with me
Douglas Brackman,

who'll be serving
as my attorney.

And this is Ann Kelsey, my wife.

Splendid. Great.

Now folks, you've all
got copies of the will

and since I anticipate a couple
of problems in probating--

This is no will, it's garbage.

And you, sir,
are a blatant thief.

- Hey!
- This is undue influence!

I take exception of that, sir.

State bar is taking
exception too, I reported you.

On what grounds?

You go to the home
of an ailing elderly woman.

You personally tear up
the existing will,

a will that left you nothing.

Then suddenly there's a new one
leaving you everything.

And how does that
concern you?

The will he tore up left
nothing to the children.

It all went to client,
Reverend Billy Bob.

Bringing me
to scam number two!

- Boggs: Now that's out of line!
- Mr. Silvia!

I agree what he did
was despicable.

He did nothing despicable.

Whoa, whoa! How about this?
I don't want the money!

Just declare the will void

and split it up
anyway you want.

- Stuart!
- Absolutely not.

That will is valid and I have
a fiduciary duty

to give it full force
and effect!

- Oh for God's sake!
- Just a second here!

This document leaves
everything to Stuart,

for I quote

"his sound counsel, advice,
and friendship!"

- That 's right!
Boggs: Meaning?

People people, people!

If this money was left
to Mr. Markowitz

as compensation for counsel
he rendered

in his capacity as a partner
of McKenzie Brackman,

this money belongs to the firm.

[indistinct chatter]

- It's a theory.
- Don't worry about the firm.

If this money goes to Stuart,

McKenzie Brackman
will be the executor

of $30 million trust.
This place will see plenty.

But it's not going to Stuart.

She died intestate
and it's going to the children!

She didn't die intestate!

The old will is revoked
no matter what!

Mr. Braunstein is right!
The will is binding!

You 're his partner,
an extension of his crook hood!

I happen to be a judge, sir!

My honesty is a given!

I don't care if you're on
the Supreme Court!

You're not stealing
our 30 million!

Get out of my conference room.

I don't want the money.

Don't you dare walk away.

I'll walk out any
place I want to walk.

- I'll see you all in court!
- Don't you dare walk out!

I'll ram an injunction
right through your kidneys!

- Oh really?
- Yeah, really!

Come on. Come on. Get up.

Order! Order! Order! Order!

Order ! Order!

Hello, Charlie.

So? Vincent kept calling me
last night.

What's the verdict?

I'm not gonna take this case.

I can't.

- Grace, damn it. Come on.
Grace: Wait a minute.

I did some checking
on this guy and he,

he's definitely not legitimate.

Don't do this to me, Grace.

Why do you think
I brought you in as a partner?

As I recall,
because among other things,

you thought I had integrity.

And no matter how charming
this man is

I don't think
this is the kind of case

that's in our best interest.

He can generate hundreds of
thousands of dollars in fees,

that's is definitely
in our best interests.

- The man's a gangster!
- You don't know that!

I won't do it!

Fine.

You call him and tell him.

I'm sure as hell,
not gonna do it!

Fine.

You did absolutely
the right thing.

You don't think I'm being naive?

I mean, if I'm gonna
be in private practice,

I've to be ready to
take cases I don't like.

This is not a case, Grace.

We're talking about
a direction here.

If you become a mob lawyer
then you're a mob lawyer.

Well, I'm seeing him
tomorrow night

and I will tell him no.

And I suspect I will
be without a job.

Hey, there are gonna
be plenty other jobs.

You wanna come work for us?

As a full partner?

No way. You'll be under me.

Oh, it sounds even better.

- I got to get in there.
- Go get him, counselor.

Woof?

See you later.

- Woof?
- Woof.

What I'm saying
is for an attorney at law

performance and appearance

are not mutually exclusive.

How's that?

Well, a lawyer has to be
more than someone

who just interprets statutes.

You've gotta be able
to cultivate clients,

impress at meetings,
wine and dine colleagues.

When somebody comes
into the office,

they want to see a
consummate individual,

somebody who gives
them a sense of confidence.

Michael: And Ms. Stetler
didn't do this?

She's a very
capable practitioner

and I don't mean
to suggest otherwise.

But the reality is people
look at her and say,

see, if she can't
take care of herself,

how is she gonna
take care of me?

They think her personal
appearance is a reflection

of her professional competence.

Michael: Do you think
that's a fair assumption?

It's totally unfound.
It's totally unfound.

If I could dissolve that
mindset with a wave of my hand

and keep her on,
I'd do so. But I can't.

And if it's hurting the firm,
I've got to deal with it .

Thank you, Mr. Langella .

Nothing further.

So, you fired her
because people

couldn't accept a fat lawyer?

I'm the managing partner,
counselor

I've got to be cognizant
of public perception.

Right, so I guess, then that if

the public didn't want
a black attorney

you would hire and fire
on the basis of race, right ?

Wrong! I'd never endorse
that kind of prejudice!

Oh, so do you endorse

the prejudice
against fat people?

This is different.

Michael: Webster's dictionary
defines

prejudice
as a preconceived opinion

lacking a just foundation,

Now, isn't that exactly
how you just described

the public's attitude toward
the overweight?

- Yes, but in this case--
- So by firing her...

You in your own words,

endorse that bigotry,
didn't you?

I never said I agreed with
the prejudice, Mr. Kuzak,

but I've got a law firm
to run and I've got

to recognize
that it's out there.

Very good, Mr. Langella.

You recognized it,
you acted upon it.

And by so doing
you perpetuate it!

- Objection!
- Gentlemen.

Don't blame me
for public opinion!

I blame you more.

The public's opinion is based
on ignorance. You know her.

You know she's
a good attorney and yet

you fired her anyway,
didn't you?

He's beating up the witness!

He deserves to get beat up!

Mueller: Mr. Kuzak!

Tell us, Mr. Langella

how firing my client failed
to promote

that bigotry
that you recognize?

Nothing further.

Lynn, I just don't
think it's a great idea.

It's nothing against you,
Michael, you've been fantastic.

I just thought
if I represent myself

during the closing argument,

I have a better chance
of convincing the jury

that I belong in a courtroom.

And I also thought what better
way to convince myself.

But this whole trial is gonna
turn on the summations.

You've never done this before
and I hesitate--

And what better place
for me to start?

I figure I would be great

or fall flat on my face,

either way I win.

File my appearance and notify
the opposing counsel.

I'm an attorney

and I'm gonna represent myself.

Alright.

It's your trial.

Let's get started.
Where is everyone?

Michael's in court
and Victor's got a deposition.

- Where's Jonathan?
- I don't know.

But I'm not waiting.

Stuart,
regarding the disposition

of the Lundstrum estate,

a second meeting
of the attorneys

has been scheduled
for this afternoon.

Oh God. Not again.

Each lawyer will present a
proposal and we'll review each--

What are you gonna do, Stuart ?

I don't know, Ann.

Jonathan's on TV again!

- What?
- Oh, no!

No, no, Gina. I'm not kidding.
That's the way they are.

It sounds as if
they're incompetent.

Jonathan: No, not incompetent,
just amusing.

We've got one partner,
I won't mention names.

It's Brackman,
who keeps having affairs.

He even slept
with his female bailiff

when he was
a small claims judge.

Oh God! Oh God!

Arnold Becker beds down
with 90% of his clients.

- Son of--.
Douglas: He's fired!

...sleeping with each other !

- Come on!
- They are married.

- I heard it was shotgun.
- That bastard!

Jonathan: The thing
that really gets me

is that none of them,
none of them,

can tell the difference
between a live broadcast

and a videotaped gag.

Gotcha.

- What?
- I know, I gotcha.

Arnie: I don't believe this.

I did get you, didn't I?

Thanks for the help, Roxie.

Go on Douglas.

Let's get started.

Lynn: If the defendant 's
theory is true,

it doesn't matter
what I say here.

Because you will
have instantly concluded

the first moment that you saw me

that I was less equal

by mere virtue of my weight.

If you subscribe to that notion,

ladies and gentlemen,

you're wrong.

And if the whole world agrees
with you, then damnit,

the whole world is wrong.

Because prejudice
cannot be validated

by unanimous consent,

it can only be made
more dangerous.

I do not accept
the defendant's premise

that a person's physique

is a criteria for respect
or friendship.

And I do not accept
their assertion

that people regard
physical appearance

as an indication
of intellectual ability

and I most certainly
do not accept their assumption

that this jury will forgive
those that do.

The evidence before you
is uncontroverted.

I am an able,
competent attorney

who was fired from her job
because of their belief

that the world hates fat people.

[clears throat]

That's discrimination.

And like it or not, you cannot
possibly find for the defendant

unless you're prepared right now
to condone it.

And even if you are,

don't think for one second

this bigotry has prevailed.

Because the next time I am
confronted by this prejudice,

and there will be a next time.

I'll be back

and I'll come back again,

and again and again.

And sooner or later,
I'll come across a jury

who will not tolerate
this blindness .

I hope that time is now.

But if it's not,

the fight's not over, I promise.

This fat lady
ain't singing yet.

Let 's take a minute to review
the different proposals--

I don't need a minute,
they all stink!

And this Reverend
is a crooked as

He should be getting it all!

That was her
testamentary intent!

Oh, no you don't.

I don 't give a damn
what you think

her testamentary intent was.

- This will is not valid.
- Don't start that again.

We drafted that document
and I can categorically say.

You're a national chain
of roadside sleaze pits!

What kind of a law firm
has a jingle?

- Alright! Everybody be quiet.
- And you, you are the reason.

I'd appreciate it, sir, if I
might be allowed to speak.

Thank you.

First of all, you can
file those proposals.

They're meaningless.

The will is valid,
the money is rightfully mine

and here's
what I'm gonna do with it.

The three lawyers present
will each receive $8,000

for legal services rendered,

more than they deserve
for their embarrassing conduct.

The children, Peter and Gail,
will each receive $3million.

Totally unacceptable.

Extremely acceptable,
Mr. Sylvia,

I'm gonna tell you why.

If you prove undue influence,

you not only negate her
free intent to make a new will,

you eliminate her capacity
to revoke the old one.

And since California
courts low than testacy,

your clients get nothing
and all

the money goes to Billy Bob.

Here, here!

As for the good reverend,

I'm giving three million
dollars in his name

to the Cystic Fibrosis
Association.

Is that it? And nothing to him?

Yeah, he get's the credit,

and if he's lucky,
a building named after him.

That's not enough.
I'll fight it.

No, you won't.

Because an examination
of Mrs. Lundstrum's true intent

will reveal that her desire
was not so much

to benefit the Reverend,

but rather
the charitable endeavors

he boasted about on TV.

And since closer scrutiny
of these endeavors

reveal enterprises
that fail to meet

the IRS definition of charity,

we'll vitiate a big part of
that will on grounds of fraud!

- That's baseless.
- It's not baseless.

And since exposure that
investigation might end up

with Billy Bob
being interviewed on Nightline,

I suspect you'll be quiet.

Finally, Ms. Kelsey.

Of the remaining 21 million,

half goes to the Greater

Los Angeles Aid
for the Homeless,

the other half
to the California

Environmental Protection
Foundation.

And while you may miss out

on being the great
white administrator.

You can take some
consolation in knowing that

worthy causes are being served.

One last thing,

if any of you do choose
to litigate,

remember it all comes down to
the issue of undue influence,

which means it's my word
against yours .

And they're gonna
believe me, I promise.

Because I'm the only one here
not acting out of greed,

avarice or some sort of
self-promotion.

I'm the one giving it all away,

and that makes me
a thousand times more credible

than all of you stacked up
on top of each other.

And finally, if any of you do
challenge me on this,

all the money goes
to the two charities.

The children, the Reverend,
the lawyers get nothing .

Meeting's over.

[telephone ringing]

Markowitz?

Although I stand here
in complete ignorance

as to what this world
or life has in store for me.

I think,
I can still safely predict

that no matter what I do
or how long I live,

I will never be more proud
of any single thing

than I am of my husband
at this moment.

And I just want you to know
that I admire you

more than I can ever express.

And I love you
even more than that.

Mr. Foreman, has the jury
reached it's verdict?

- Yes, Your Honor .
Mueller: What say you?

We, the jury, find in favor
of the plaintiff,

and order the defendant
to pay damages

in the amount of $210,000.

You did it.

Oh, my God.

I don't believe it.

Thank you, Michael.

You look lovely.

Thank you. None for me.

Please.

To us.

There is no us, Mr. Vincent.

Charles told me you
are little reluctant.

My mind is made up.

I've always found it best
to postpone final judgment

until I have all the facts.

I have all the
facts I need and--

I don't think you do.

For instance,
I don't think you know

who paid for that fancy
office you're sitting.

I don't think you know who owns
the building, Ms. Van Owen,

or who owns the firm for to
a lesser extent who owns you.

You may own the firm
Mr. Vincent,

but I guarantee you,
you don't own me.

You listen,

you're gonna go into court

and you're going to substitute
in as counsel for Tommy

then you're gonna
get a nice continuance,

a courtesy the judge
will be only too happy

to extend to a popular ex-DA.

Then, if you want

I'll get someone else
to substitute in for you.

Do you understand?

No.

I need time, Ms. Van Owen.

It's just come to my attention

that the state's
key witness may suffer

serious decline in health
in the next few weeks .

It sometimes happens
to people who disappoint me.

My answer is not changing.

Some mistakes are very hard
to live with, Ms. Van Owen.

I seriously suggest
you rethink your position.

She's still drinking
the champ...

[gunshot firing]

[screaming]

[instrumental music]

[theme music]